BOC Exam: Integrity in Test Taking
Writing exam items on any part of your body or clothing, finding a way to reference notes on your cell phone or ‘helping’ a friend by recalling questions/answers on the BOC exam may seem harmless enough or simply ‘bending’ the rules. However, nothing could be further from the truth when talking about the BOC exam.
Ethical Behavior: “Candidates are expected to pass the exam based on their own merit without assistance. The members of the public who entrust the ATC credential with their health and well-being expect that the credential holder is a trustworthy and competent individual.”
Exam violations put the integrity of the credential that candidates and peers are working hard to achieve, the profession that it is designed to protect, and one’s own ability to proceed with this credential at risk. Many years go into education and preparation for taking the Board of Certification (BOC) exam. Candidates study, looking for the most effective means to absorb every bit of knowledge.
When walking into the exam room it is expected that they are not supported by outside resources. As candidates proceed with the exam process, they acknowledge and agree that they understand all outlined restrictions in the Candidate Attestation.
I understand that if I am found with any prohibited item, including cell phones, notes and other prohibited items, I may be dismissed and my exam may be invalidated. In addition, I could become disqualified from retaking the exam in the future depending upon the test program’s policies.
At the BOC, we’ve found the most common violations of the Candidate Attestation Statement over the past three exam administrations have been issues related to cell phones and candidates writing exam information on their bodies.
There have been instances of candidates hiding their cell phones in the bathroom to access during an exam break. In addition, to violating the above statement, situations in which a candidate writes on their body during the exam also violate the rule that states candidates can only use the markers and whiteboard during the exam. It is also considered copying of content, which is an express violation.
Sharing is usually a good thing, but not when it comes to exam content. It is illegal and unethical to memorize, copy and share content and questions of the BOC exam. Candidates agree through the Candidate Attestation that information about items or answers will not be disclosed in any format to anyone.
Beyond what happens in the exam room, once they have sat for the BOC exam, it is imperative that candidates and ATs protect themselves and their colleagues by keeping information about the BOC exam confidential.
Candidates, ATs and educators can find more information about responsibilities and rules in the “BOC Exam Candidate Handbook.”